Ricin scare puts SC elected officials on heightened alert

SC's senators, congressmen respond to suspicious discovery

The ricin scare has many of South Carolina's elected officials on heightened alert, including U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham's office.

A spokesman for Graham said the senator characterized the situation on Capitol Hill as "pretty tense" in light of the ricin packages.

Rep. Jeff Duncan's staff sent the following statement to News 4: "This is an unfortunate situation. We’re continuing to be alert and closely follow the recommendations provided to us by local law enforcement. Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the victims of the Boston Marathon terrorist attack.”

Sen. Tim Scott's office also released a statement explaining their confidence in the system currently in place now.

"Through the combination of the mail processing facilities and our rigorous internal guidelines already in place, we are confident that the appropriate steps will be taken in regards to suspicious mail at all of our offices," read the statement.

Rep. Trey Gowdy's office said, "Our offices follow the security procedures and guidelines set out by the Capitol police and always defer to the advice of local authorities."

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